How to Get From Lombok to Nusa Penida

Taking a direct ferry is the most convenient way to travel from Lombok to Nusa Penida. You can complete the journey in just a little over an hour. It's also the cheapest option, with fares from $12 (220,000 IDR).

Most ferries operate directly between the two islands, most of the time coming from the Gilis before picking passengers up from Lombok.

But sometimes, it's the other way around. Ferries depart from Lombok, pick up passengers in one or all of the Gili Islands, then sail to Lombok. Check your booking beforehand to avoid surprises.

Departure ports in Lombok

Ferries depart from the two main piers in Lombok: Bangsal Pier and Senggigi Pier. Both ports are on the island’s west coast, but Senggigi Pier is more centrally located.

From Senggigi Pier

Senggigi Ferry Terminal is accessible if you are staying in Senggigi (Rinjani basecamp) or Lombok's tourist hub, Kuta, on the southern coast. The 10-minute taxi ride from Senggigi to Senggigi Pier should cost around $2.20 (40,000 IDR). From Kuta, fares start from $19 (350,000 IDR).

From Bangsal Port

Bangsal Pier is on the northwest coast of Lombok and is closer to the Gili Islands. From Senggigi, it’s a 30 to 40-minute drive up north to Bangsal Port. From Kuta, it’s about a 2-hour drive. The easiest way to get there is by private transfer, with fares from $6.60 (120,000 IDR) from Senggigi and $22 (400,000 IDR) from Kuta.

Arrival ports in Nusa Penida

There are several ports in Nusa Penida, all on the island’s northern coast. Some of these are Buyuk Harbour, Banjar Nyuh Harbour, Sampalan Port, and Toya Pakeh Harbour.

It's best to arrange your ride from the port to your hotel before you arrive. You can do this through your hotel, or by contacting a trusted driver beforehand. Alternatively, you can take an ojek (scooter) from the pier to your accommodation.

There are plenty of direct ferries operating from Lombok to Nusa Penida, so it doesn't really make sense to take an indirect ferry — unless the direct ferries are fullybooked.

With an indirect ferry, you will take a boat from Lombok to Bali and take another ferry to Nusa Penida.

It takes longer, with a combined travel time of about 1h 45m - 8h 20m. It is also more expensive than buying a direct ferry ticket, with prices starting from $25 (455,000 IDR).

There are 2 routes you can take, via Padang Bai and via Sanur:

• Via Padang Bai: Combined rates start from $31 (560,000 IDR) and travel time is around 2 hours

• Via Sanur: Combined prices are from $27 (490,000 IDR) and the trip takes about 5 hours.

Note that the journey times mentioned exclude the waiting time between the ferry trips.

Via Padang Bai or Sanur?

We recommend taking the ferry to Padang Bai because this is the closest harbour to Lombok. Just note that you need to take you'll need to take a ferry from Lombok to Bali before noon because the connecting ferry from Padang Bai departs at 13:30.

From Sanur, there are more departures to Nusa Penida. However, the travel time from Lombok to Sanur takes so much longer.

Via Serangan Pier

There are also ferry trips from Lombok to Serangan Pier in Bali, but the connecting ferries from Serangan to Nusa Penida depart in the early morning. This means you’ll have to stay the night in Bali when travelling via Serangan.

How to get to Bangsal Pier in Lombok

Bangsal Pier is a small port north of Lombok. It’s the main gateway from Lombok to the Gili Islands, as well as a common stopover for boats servicing the Nusa Penida – Bali – Lombok – Gili route.

From Senggigi

The easiest way to reach Bangsal Pier from your accommodation in Senggigi is by taxi. Taxi fares start at $6.30 (115,000 IDR) and the journey takes 30-40 minutes along the scenic coastal road.

Bluebird is the most reliable taxi company in Lombok. You can flag it down the street, book a car by phone (0370 627000) or hail a ride via a dedicated app.

Another option is to ask your hotel if they offer shared rides to Bangsal Pier. This will help save a few dollars, although the travel time will likely take a little longer.

From Kuta in South Lombok

From Kuta, there are no metered taxis such as BlueBird, but plenty of tour desks can arrange a private transfer. You can also inquire at your accommodation for a taxi.

Most taxis can accommodate up to four passengers, while larger cars or vans are available on request. Expect to pay at least $22 (400,000 IDR) for the 2-hour journey from Kuta to Bangsal Pier.

If you don't want to be bothered with the land transfers to get to/from the port in Lombok, there are companies offering combined van and ferry tickets from Lombok to Nusa Penida.

These include hotel pickups and/or drop-offs.

Combined van and ferry ticket prices to Nusa Penida from Lombok start from $26 (460,000 IDR). Travel time is around 2h 30m - 5h 15m.